Christmas time has descended upon Brookhaven once again, with squeals of contagious laughter populating the downtown atmosphere.

New Sight Baptist Church is joining in on the merriment with their annual live nativity scene.

Opening on Friday and active through the weekend, the nativity scene is set to run from 7 to 9 p.m. each night.

Located on New Sight Road in Brookhaven, New Sight Baptist Church continues the tradition with its ninth rendition of a live nativity set. All the actors are dressed in time-appropriate garb, handcrafted by the ladies of the church with the purpose of bringing the audience as close to the manger side as possible. Joining the actors are live animals donated for use by members of the church and the community.

Brenda Foster, a coordinator for the nativity scene, speaks highly of the project and its benefits for the surrounding community.

“It’s a drive-through nativity in which the Christmas Story really comes to life,” she relates, “It is our gift to the community.”

The drive through nativity scene offers a unique take on the classic story. Instead of a single group of actors, the route offers specific scenes that present the progression of the story. Beginning with the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the story transitions to Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Paul Walker, who plays Joseph in the opening arrangement, enjoyed acting in last year’s nativity scene.

“It was pretty good. It’s rewarding to see all those kids hollering ‘Look, look, look!’ as the cars go by,” shared Walker.

The drive-through nativity employees offer candy and treats to the onlookers, emphasizing a family-friendly environment. As Joseph, Walker is asleep in the opening scene, but even hearing the children’s excitement is enough of an incentive to be out there.

“Even if one little kid’s life is impacted,” Walter explains, a deep-seated joy detectable in his voice, “then it’s all worth it.”

This year, New Sight expands the drive-through nativity by adding a final scene: an empty tomb.

Located in front of the church, this vivid retelling of the Christmas Story brings the audience face-to-face with the famous manger.

Diane Ashmore, an actress who has worked on the nativity scene in years prior, said of the project, “It’s a tremendous blessing. It’s like a lighthouse. We want people to see this and hopefully through this we can tell them the true meaning of Christmas.”